Netflix Gaming? Meh.

Netflix Gaming Brings Its 'Meh' Game

November 09, 2021

November 9, 2021

The wait is over! Netflix games were released last week, to about as much fanfare as you expected (little). Perhaps, unfortunately, the games are about as underwhelming as you might expect from Netflix. The company is showing it's going to need to up its...game...if it really wants to make a presence in the online gaming market.

Streamer's Spotlight: 3 Big Problems with Netflix Games

We doubt many people expected Netflix Games to be a smash hit. Although Netflix has some of the brightest brains when it comes to streaming development, the company is a bit out of its element when it comes to gaming. The release of Netflix Games last week underscored that quite a bit. There are 3 big problems with Netflix Games that will need to be addressed if the company wants to make as a big a presence in gaming as Google Stadia or Amazon Luna.

1. The Obvious: Controller Support

At present, there are 5 Netflix Games available: Stanger Things: 1984, Stanger Things 3: The Video Game, Card Blast, Shooter Hoops, and Teeter (Up). Of these, none has controller support. In fact, Netflix designed all five games to only be available and playable on mobile devices. No controller support is available for any if you're playing them through Netflix's app.

That's a big step backward for gamers, who typically prefer to play most games (even mobile games) with a remote. The really odd thing about that choice is that Stranger Things 3: The Video Game is already available on multiple consoles, all with controller support. Netflix may be looking to see how successful it can be with these first few games before launching its own branded controller, but if it wants to attract third-party support and be a true online gaming platform, it's going to need to support controllers.

2. The Less Obvious: Limited OS Support

If you loaded up Netflix on your streaming device (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, etc.) and didn't find the games, there's a reason. Netflix is currently only offering its Games on Android devices. So, sorry iOS users. And also sorry anyone who was hoping to poke away at some of these games using your TV remote.

3. The Frustration: Quality

Aside from the Stranger Things 3: The Video Game, which Netflix simply pulled into its Games section, the options available are underwhelming, to say the least. Netflix may have played it *too* safe with its initial Netflix Games roll-out. The saying "go big or go home" tends to be essential in gaming. Netflix didn't quite do that, which may hurt its prospects for this venture.

This Week's Streaming Guide

1. Grab Your Kids: Clifford Is Coming

The newest Clifford the Big Red Dog movie is headed to Paramount+ this week. Available this Wednesday (Nov. 10) -

2. HBO's 'Reign of Superwomen' Streaming this Thursday

"After Superman is put to rest, following his battle with Doomsday, his body is stolen from its tomb". -

3. 'The World According to Jeff Goldblum' Gets New Season

At long last, Jeff Goldblum's hit Disney+ show has a second season coming. Streaming this Friday (Nov. 12). -

4. New Cartoon 'Blade Runner: Black Lotus' Offers New Content for the IP

The story takes place between the two live-action Blade Runner movies. Streaming on Adult Swim this Saturday at 12 midnight -

News and Industry Developments

1. Apparently, There's a Tom Hanks Robot Movie on Apple TV+

Originally planned for a theatrical release, the rights to 'Finch' went to Apple TV+ to stream from home. -

2. Can Roku Be the Next Netflix?

The company is digging its heels into original streaming content which may help it compete with Netflix and others. -

3. Gaming Isn't Netflix's Biggest Opportunity for Growth

There are more ways the company can expand its presence in the home that may have better results. -

4. When Will 'Eternals' Come to Disney+?

Quite possibly faster than you think. -

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